Serological techniques

Abstract

The need for automation of antibody tests, and the complement-fixation test in particular, is discussed. Examples of various attempts to mechanize and partly automate antibody tests are described. The limitations inherent in a continuous flow system are emphasized. At the present time, the best prospects for automating antibody tests would seem to lie in the development of discrete analysis systems. The possibility of combining certain aspects of continuous flow with a discrete analysis system should be kept in mind. Ideally, automated equipment for antibody tests should have a refrigerated store for reagents and samples. Results of tests should appear as a printout and be suitable for data processing by computer. For reasons of economy, equipment should be capable of running continuously for long periods without attention. Automation will inevitably lead to some degree of centralization of work, which will require well organized services for the transport of specimens and for the distribution of laboratory reports. It may prove desirable for all automated aspects of hospital pathological services to be located together in relatively few large laboratories.